The latest Annual Report on Solid Waste Management submitted by 36 States and Union Territories to the Central Pollution Control Board for the year 2021-2022 highlights the substantial municipal solid waste (MSW) generated across India. Out of the 1,70,339 tons per day (TPD) of waste produced, 1,56,449 TPD was collected, 91,511 TPD processed or treated, and 41,455 TPD was landfilled.
Among the key contributors, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that Mumbai alone generates 6,400 TPD of MSW. Of this, 5,800 TPD is processed and disposed of at the Kanjurmarg Integrated Waste Management Facility using bioreactor and composting technologies. The remaining 600 TPD is disposed of at the Deonar Dumping Ground.
The BMC has undertaken several measures to mitigate the environmental and public health impacts of waste disposal. These measures include covering waste with soil, regular fogging for pest control, and continuous ambient air quality monitoring. According to BMC officials, these efforts have effectively prevented any rise in disease incidence around dumping grounds.
In a significant stride towards sustainable waste management, BMC has initiated a Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Project with a 600 TPD capacity. This project, supported by a grant from the 15th Finance Commission for Solid Waste Management, is slated for commissioning in October 2025. The WtE facility aims to generate approximately 7 MW of electricity, converting municipal solid waste into a valuable resource. The project, with an estimated capital cost of ₹504 crores, marks a crucial development in Mumbai’s efforts to manage waste efficiently and sustainably.
The integration of advanced waste processing technologies at Kanjurmarg and the upcoming WtE project underscores Mumbai’s commitment to mitigating the environmental impacts of urban waste. By transforming waste into energy, Mumbai sets a precedent for other cities in India to adopt innovative and sustainable waste management practices, contributing to a cleaner and greener future.
